Statement Heels.

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As I browsed the internet this past weekend, pretend shopping (you know, where you put things into an online cart but never actually buy it? hopefully I’m not alone in this activity?), I found myself drawn to Spring shoes that had a common link.  Their printed heels…


What I love about a statement shoe like the ones above, is that they manage to straddle the line between wild and wearable.  Meaning, there’s a way to work them into almost every Spring occasion.  For a blind date, I love that this pair from Shoemint looks almost completely neutral until you turn around to reveal the snake skin heel.  The perfect way to keep your date guessing.  Pair them with a sporty black mini (somehow way cooler than the little black dress in the back of your closet) and a more modest blouse.  For a gallery opening, these bold heels from Zara are like a modern day work of art.  With a Klein blue mini and a silky abstract print blouse, all you need here is a pile of bangles and you’ve nailed contemporary cool.  For a girly take on the trend, these Anthropologie color blocked heels would be just the thing for an afternoon bridal shower.  Match them up with a cream lace skirt and slightly sheer collared blouse for a girly yet grown up look.


Warmer Weather.

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Maybe living in Southern California has made me greedy for even more sunshine (and I have no reason to complain as we’re already enjoying full out Spring weather), but I still can’t wait for Summer.  I spotted the above in the latest Free People catalogue and am fully inspired to have a 1960’s beach party type look going on once even warmer weather comes my way.  Scallop bikini, cat eyes, white on white and a beach blanket as my only other accessory.  

Weekend Flashback.

Weekend-Flashback-Easter-Instagram-Blog-RecapOn Friday I filmed my first segment of ‘Tea Time with Tulle’ at work – an informal talk show style video that discusses topics from the brand’s blog (which if you haven’t already checked out, you should! And not only because I do all of the graphics for it…).  The video airs tomorrow and it’s left me wondering if it wouldn’t be fun to bring in a video element to the blog here.  Just some short clips where I discuss a new trend I’ve spotted, show you how to DIY a piece of art, etc?  I’d love to hear your feedback.  The rest of the weekend was spent in a sugar coma that started with a trip to the infamous Randy’s Donuts (you’ll know you’re there when you reach the giant donut in the sky) and ended with a surprise visit from my very own Easter bunny.  Hope everyone had a happy holiday!   P.S. I’ve got some new links on the side, including a few of my favorite top posts from the past couple of months, so be sure to check them out!

Little moments that count.

Happy-Friday-Payday-Color-story-anthropologie-Spring-dresses(Image via Anthropologie – and they’re having a 20% sale on all dresses this weekend!)
I like to think I always take the time to appreciate the #littlemomentsthatcount in life, but I’ve especially enjoyed devoting an entire week to it – and I hope I’ve inspired you to do the same.  Whether it be finding an Easter egg full of your favorite candy, celebrating Spring with a bright pair of shoes, or dressing up a little corner of your home with a fresh bouquet of flowers this weekend.  Happy (good) Friday – here’s to making it great!  


A Place to Rest.

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I once attended a conference where the visual merchandiser for Anthropologie advised that the strongest retail stores create mini moments within the bigger picture, places that allow the eye to rest.  I happen to believe that these little moments are also what make an ordinary apartment suddenly feel like a well curated home.  And since I’m celebrating the #littlemomentsthatcount this week, here are my favorite ones from around The Steele Maiden home…

The above image is our bar cart in progress – the cart itself was a flea market find (originally a typewriter stand), and the mirrors and decanter were thrift finds as well.  The holder for the paper straws and matchbooks are actually intended to be a toothbrush and soap holder – but I loved the deco design and decided to repurpose them.  

Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorA Paris souvenir that now holds a collection of rings by my bedside.
Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorA little gold spray paint transformed standard issue clipboards (great for holding everyday inspiration) and a baby gator picked up in New Orleans.
Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorA statement wall where our DIY wood and steel pipe shelving unit holds my collection of travel books, agate book ends courtesy of a roadside shop in New Mexico, and my favorite skull mug.
Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorRemoving a less than appealing bathroom wall cabinet freed up space for a mini gallery wall featuring illustrations of places in New York that each holds a special memory.
Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorA photo I took in Marfa, Texas and had printed on canvas recreates a more famous work of art – with added sentimental value – and our first house plant stands proudly beside the fireplace.
Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorThe chalkboard wall drawings I come home to, courtesy of the boy, never cease to make me smile.
Home-Tour-Little-Moments-Home-DecorA vintage sign found in Austin, Texas is a cheeky touch above our stovetop.